microbiology chapter 11 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 11 test bank related questions and content

A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were catalase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Streptococcus pyogenes
  • B. Staphylococcus aureus
  • C. Enterococcus faecalis
  • D. Micrococcus luteus
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium fits the description of Gram-positive cocci in chains and is catalase-negative. S. pyogenes commonly causes sore throat (pharyngitis) and fever, making it the most likely causative agent in this scenario. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive and is not typically associated with pharyngitis. Enterococcus faecalis (C) is not typically found in chains and is rarely a cause of acute pharyngitis. Micrococcus luteus (D) is not typically associated with pharyngitis and is catalase-positive.